By the D23 Team
The magic is on the move! The exhibition Inside the Walt Disney Archives, which first debuted at D23 Expo Japan in 2018 before heading to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, is making its next stop at the Graceland Exhibition Center starting July 23, 2021. The 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibit celebrates the legacy of the Walt Disney Archives, with behind-the-scenes access never before granted to the public. Guests of all ages are invited to step into the Walt Disney Archives as they walk through a dazzling display of more than 450 objects, including original artwork, costumes, and props that tell the story of the Archives, The Walt Disney Company, and Walt Disney himself. From nostalgic classics like rarely displayed sketches for Fantasia and ghosts from the Haunted Mansion attraction to modern-day favorites like a maquette from Frozen and a Wolverine costume, this enchanting exhibition is an immersive treasure trove the entire family will love.
The exhibit spans multiple Disney properties including items ranging from Disney live action to animated films, Walt Disney’s personal effects, items from various Disney Parks, vintage Disney merchandise, 20th Century Fox films, and more. Some of the highlights of the exhibit include:
- Jack Sparrow’s compass from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Costumes from Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmatians, Pretty Woman, Walk the Line, and more
- Mary Poppins’ original carpet bag
- Davy Crockett’s racoonskin cap
- Wilson from Cast Away
- Vehicles from Toad’s Wild Ride, Herbie: Fully Loaded, and Tron: Legacy
- The sword from Zorro
- Magic Bedknob from Bedknobs and Broomsticks
- Prop storybook from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Alien Xenomorph prop figure from the Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction The Great Movie Ride
- Tombstones and Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion attraction
- Electromagnetic Shrinking Machine from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
- Lumiere and Cogsworth props from 2017’s Beauty and the Beast
- Dead Man’s Chest from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
- Congo Queen Model Boat from Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise
The exhibit will continue through January 2, 2022, and will include a wide array of special events for people of all ages. D23 Gold Members should mark their calendars for Thursday, July 22, which will be a combination press day and D23 Gold Member event. Activities will include speakers including a presentation by the Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline, music, photo opportunities, and a special ribbon cutting. Plus, whenever you make your visit, remember that D23 Gold Members receive a 20% discount on single exhibition admission and VIP Tours with proof of membership.
Through January 2, 2022 there will be numerous family friendly programing and presentations including:
- Disney Trivia Nights
- A Haunted Mansion Zoom panel with evening tours of the Disney exhibit and the Graceland Mansion
- Exhibit Tour + Dive In Dinner & Movie Screening of The Lion King at the Guest House at Graceland Pool
- Halloween costume party at the exhibit with a costume parade, candy stations, face painters, and craft stations
- Exhibit Tours & Tea Parties
- A Princess and Pirate party with crafts, trivia, bounce house, and games. Costumes encouraged!
- Walt Disney’s Birthday Celebration Weekend
- A The Princess and The Frog screening and Zoom panel with Disney animators/filmmakers
To see the full schedule and purchase tickets or hotel packages, please visit Graceland’s website.
Disney fans can currently check out Inside the Walt Disney Archives at the Bowers Museum, where the exhibition will be on view through June 20.
